Nissarana Buddhist Monastery USA

Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya, Sri Lanka

Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya is a monastery in the strict forest tradition of Sri Lanka, established in 1967 by Asoka Weeraratna, the founder of the German Dharmaduta Society and the Berlin Buddhist Vihara in Germany. He later ordained at the monastery as Most Venerable Mitirigala Dhammanissanti Maha Thero.

At its inception, the monastery was guided by the esteemed meditation master, Most Venerable Mātara Sri Ñānārāma Mahā Thero, who served as both the first Chief Kammatthānācāriya (meditation teacher) and Chief Preceptor of Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya.

Under his leadership, the monastery became one of Sri Lanka’s most respected meditation centers, renowned for its secluded and contemplative environment, where monks diligently practiced with the aspiration of attaining Nibbāna in this very life. The monastery’s reputation grew significantly due to the profound influence of Most Venerable Ñānārāma Mahā Thero.

Following his passing in 1992, his senior disciple, Most Venerable Pānaduwe Khemānanda Mahā Thero, succeeded him as Abbot and Chief Preceptor, leading the monastery for fifteen years. He was later succeeded by Most Venerable Mitirigala Dhammavasa Maha Thero, who led the monastery until his passing in January 2015.

The present Abbot and Chief Preceptor of the monastery is Most Venerable Uda Eriyagama Dhammajīva Mahā Thero, a distinguished scholar and meditation teacher. Deeply versed in both Samatha and Vipassanā meditation methods, he has authored over forty publications.

In 2017, Most Venerable Dhammajīva Mahā Thero appointed Most Venerable Panadure Chandaratana Thero as the Deputy Abbot of the monastery. Since 2016, Venerable Chandaratana Thero has been conducting meditation retreats and is widely recognized for his ability to make complex Dhamma teachings and meditation techniques accessible to all. As a scholar, he has contributed over twenty publications, particularly on Buddhist meditation.

Nissarana Buddhist Monastery, USA

Nissarana Buddhist Monastery USA was established in January 2025 to serve the Buddhist community in the USA and Canada, with a special focus on mindfulness-based Vipassanā meditation. The center organizes meditation retreats and provides support to the forest Saṅgha, ensuring their monastic requisites are met.

The monastery operates under the spiritual leadership of Most Venerable Panadure Chandaratana Thero.